There are different types of tablets on the market, and they’re all competing with each other. However, no competition is as fierce as the fight between iPad and Galaxy Tab. Apple unveiled the new iPad Pro 2024, and it’s a suitable contender against Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (Review). So, which of these tablets is the best one for you? Let’s find out in this comparison of the new iPad Pro vs. the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
In this comparison, we’re going to compare the primary aspects of both of these tablets. These are their design/build quality, display, software, cameras, performance, and price. Obviously, if you are devoted to one ecosystem over the other, then this comparison may be extremely simple. However, if you are liable to jump ship to a different operating system, then this may be the comparison for you. So, let’s jump right In.
iPad Pro 2024 vs. Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Design/build quality
When it comes to these two devices, neither of their designs really sticks out. Also, both of these tablets retain the designs of their predecessors. Both tablets are made from metal, and they’re both premium devices.
The iPad retains the square camera island on the back. This is consistent with the design aesthetic that we also see with the iPhones. Well, the story is the same for the Galaxy Tab S9. Just like last year’s tablet, all three of the camera lenses sit independently on the back of the device. This design aesthetic is consistent with the other Galaxy phones on the market. Both devices have antenna lines placed in appropriate spots.
The main difference between these two devices is the thickness. Apple announced that the iPad Pro 13-inch Edition is 5.1mm thick. As for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, you’re looking at a thickness of 5.5mm. Overall, the difference in thickness is minuscule. You may feel a slight difference in thickness if you hold both of them side by side. However, .4mm won’t really make much of a difference.
Overall, both tablets are very well-made, and they both have very nice designs. You won’t find an objective winner here unless you care about having the absolute thinnest device.
iPad Pro 2024 vs. Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Display
When it comes to display technology, the iPad is now on a more even playing field. Apple announced that the new iPad Pro series has adopted an OLED display. The company calls it the Ultra Retina XDR Display, and it has a trick up its sleeve that Samsung’s tablet doesn’t.
Apple developed a technology called Tandem OLED. Basically, it layered two OLED panels into the same screen. With the combined brightness of both panels, the iPad Pro can reach a peak brightness of 1,600 nits. That’s about 72% brighter than the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s display, which peaks at 930 nits. However, bear in mind that this is for HDR content on the iPad. So, regular content and other usage may see varying results.
As for the resolution, neither display is anything to sneeze at. The 11-inch iPad Pro has a screen resolution of 2420 x 1668, and the 13-inch model has a resolution of 2752 x 2064. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, on the other hand, has a screen resolution of 2960 x 1848.
To put that into perspective, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has 35% more pixels than the 11-inch iPad Pro, but this iPad’s display is 21% smaller than the Galaxy’s. This gives the 11-inch iPad Pro a 10.4% higher PPI than the Galaxy Tab. It’s 264 PPI compared to the Galaxy’s 239 PPI.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has 3% fewer pixels than the 13-inch iPad Pro, and the iPad is 7.2% smaller than the Galaxy Tab. It has the same PPI as the 11-inch iPad Pro.
So, based on the numbers, it looks like the iPad Pro has the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra beat in the display department. The screen caps out at a higher peak brightness, and it’s a bit more pixel-packed.
That’s on paper, however. In real-world usage, you can’t go wrong with either display.
iPad Pro 2024 vs. Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: cameras
It’s a bit weird comparing the cameras on tablets, as not many people really pay attention to the cameras on tablets. However, they’re still worth mentioning.
On paper, it appears that the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra wins this round. It has two cameras on the back, with one of them being a 13-megapixel shooter. There’s also an 8-megapixel Ultra-wide camera. Up front, there are two 12-megapixel cameras. One camera is a wide camera, and the other is a 120° ultrawide camera.
As for the iPad Pro, it has one 12-megapixel camera on the back with a LiDAR sensor and a true tone flash. Up front, there is another 12-megapixel camera.
In terms of camera quality, you shouldn’t really expect great performance from either camera, and we expect them to have the typical slew of benefits and drawbacks. However, we have to give the win to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra for having a more usable arsenal of cameras.
Both the back and the front have the utility of an ultrawide camera to capture more of the scene. Also, the ultrawide camera up front is perfect for keeping you in frame when you’re making video calls.
iPad Pro 2024 vs. Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Performance
When it comes to performance, we can mark this as a landslide victory for the iPad. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra comes with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It was the most powerful chip on the Android market last year, and it gives this tablet some blazing-fast speed.
However, Apple stacked the iPad Pro with its new and extremely powerful Apple M4 chip. This is the latest and greatest chip from Apple. The line of Apple’s M chips has powered the company’s laptops, so they’re capable of running full desktop software. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is very well suited for mobile operating systems. Also, it is an older chip, having come out last year.
When it comes to day-to-day performance, you will not have any trouble with either device. However, in terms of raw horsepower, Apple wins by a mile.
iPad Pro 2024 vs. Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Software
This is an age-old battle; iOS versus Android. However, the steaks are different this time around. We’re talking about iPadOS versus the newly revamped Android for tablets. Both operating systems score wins and take losses when against one another.
When it comes to overall usability and stability, both operating systems are great. Apple has top-of-the-line optimization, a beautiful marriage between hardware and software. However, Samsung’s One UI is no slouch either. The company put a lot of time and effort into optimizing the software to create its own unique Galaxy experience.
iPadOS wins for having a more robust suite of professional apps to use. We’re talking about apps like Pro Tools, Pro Create, Garage Band, Etc. Also, many companies tend to bring their professional apps over to iOS and leave Android in the dust like Adobe.
One UI steals a victory for being a more free and customizable interface. Apps can go wherever you want them on the home screen, and that goes for widgets. You’re better able to customize the software to fit your own unique tastes with different themes, Android’s Dynamic Colors, icon packs, etc.
One UI also wins when it comes to multitasking. You have the ability to pop out apps into their own windows and use them along with apps in split screen mode. Also, you can’t forget about Dex mode which converts the software into a more PC-like experience.
Is there an objective winner here? No. It all depends on what you want to use your tablet for. If you’re more likely to use your tablet as a replacement for a PC, then you will want to go with the iPad Pro. It has a more powerful processor, and it has access to more professional-grade applications.
If you want a tablet with a more customizable interface, more freedom, and better multitasking capabilities, then you should go with the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
iPad Pro 2024 vs. Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Price
In terms of price, things can get a little complicated. If you’re looking for the absolute best value, then the 11-inch iPad Pro is the best overall option. The base model comes with 256GB of storage, and it starts at $999. With that, you get the top-notch performance, a beautiful display, and all of the other bells and whistles that Apple announced.
The 13-inch model also starts with 256GB of storage, and that comes in at $1,299. Both models cap out at 2TB of storage.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, on the other hand, is right in the middle of both. For 256GB of storage, you’re looking at $1,199.99. So, it costs more than the 11-inch iPad Pro, but it undercuts the 13-inch iPad Pro. The Galaxy Tab caps out at 1TB of storage which costs $1,619.99.
A 1TB 11-inch iPad Pro costs $1,599, and a 13-inch iPad Pro with the same storage costs $1,899. So, if you’re looking for a higher capacity, then the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra provides more value. However, at lower capacities, the 11-inch iPad Pro seems to offer the best overall value.
Overall
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is an absolutely amazing device all around. It has great software, stunning hardware, and great performance, and it’s an overall beast of a tablet.
However, it appears that Apple has one-upped the Korean company with its latest offering. It has a faster processor, a more robust suite of professional apps, and a brighter display. If you’re looking for an 11-inch tablet, then all of this comes at a lower price than the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. If you want the 13-inch model, then you can have it for just $100 more.
While you can’t go wrong with either tablet on this list, we have to give the nod to the new iPad Pro.
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